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ballet basics

This resource kit has been designed to assist coaches with the implementation and incorporation of ballet into their teaching and learning programs.

It provides coaches with an insight into what ballet is, what makes up a ballet class, different ballet basics that are referred to within our own Twirling events and a detailed glossary of balletic terms.

This will help support coaches who have athletes working in TAS, Standard Solo, Compulsories and Short Program events.

What is Ballet?

Ballet is an expressive form of dance that encapsulates graceful body movements to music, it encourages the use and growth of the bodies strength, flexibility and rhythm. Ballet places focus on developing gracefulness and is the foundation on various dance forms around the world. 

What makes up a Ballet Class?

Floor work
Barre work
Centre work
Corner work

Floor work

Many of the first exercises in ballet are completed on the floor so that ones back has firm support and there is no danger of falling and Injuring ones self. It is predominately the floor where stretching takes places eg. Sitting with legs straight out, pointing the toes, pulling feet back to a 90 degree angle with heels just off the floor.

Corner Work

This is when further opportunity is given to gracefully move across the floor with a variety of leaps, turns, kicks and sequences. 

Ballet Feet Positions

There are x5 feet positions that all athletes need to be able to understand and utilise when twirling:
First- Keep your legs together wit your heels touching and your feet pointing in opposite directions to form a straight line.
(Keep your back straight and bottom tucked under) 


Second- This position looks like first position but with your feet about one and half times the length of your foot apart.
(Make sure your arms and body weight are evenly balanced)

Third- You bring your feet together, one behind the other, in third position. The heel of one foot should fit into the instep of the other one. This should be a comfortable and natural movement. 
(Think of yourself as a letter X as your legs are now crossed and your arms are equally positioned. You must keep control of your waist in order to keep your balance)

Fourth- Fourth is a mixture of all other positions so far. The easiest way to do fourth  position is to put your feet in first position and then slide one foot forward by about 30 centimetres. 
(In this position resist the temptation to put too much weight on one foot)

Fifth- One foot is completely behind the other, with feet pointing in opposite directions.
(This is the starting point for every great turn and jump)

Please refer to pictures for reference for the correct placement. Repetitive practise of these feet positions will effectively help in assisting a Twirler with good turn out technique. 

 

Ballet arm positions

There are x5 arm positions that all athletes need to be able to understand and utilise when twirling:

First- In first position curve both arms down naturally in front of you with the fingers just a few centimetres apart to give a rounded shape. This is called ‘bras bas’ or ‘low arms’.

Second- in second position hold your arms out to the side at a natural shoulder height, with no nasty angles at the elbows.

Third- This position mixes positions with one and two- place one arm in first and the other arm in second.

Fourth- In fourth position place one arm in second and raise the other arm above your head. 

Fifth- To do fifth position, raise both of your arms above your head in a nicely rounded shape. Technically this is called en couronne, which means making a crown in French! 

Please see pictures for reference of correct arm positions. 

Please watch the video that gives an example of each term. This will give you an understanding of some movements that will enhances your Twirlers body work. What’s more implementing the various syllabus content will be made easier.

How can Ballet benefit a
Baton Twirling Athlete?

Ballet is pivotal for a competitive Baton Twirler. Training in the art of ballet as a means of betterment for a baton twirler as it will aide in the develop graceful, elongated movements using core strength, flexibility, posture and performance.
Ballet training will allow a Twirler to learn x5 significant feet positions that are used in the TAS, ABTA standard solo, Compulsories and Short Program used at both an ABTA and WBTF levels.
Ballet training is effective for stretching, developing flexibility and building core strength that is needed to perform complex baton twirling elements. Ballet enhances balance, timing, rhythm and turn out which all impact greatly on a Twirlers overall co-ordination when blending the body with a baton.

Barre work

This is where repetitive exercises are performed at a barre, one hand it place on the barre for support- helping to develop core, balance and strengthen ones posture.

Centre Work

This is where exercises are practised without the barre for support and advancements are made.

How can Ballet be incorporated into a Twirling class/training?

During a standard Twirling warm up, coaches should be referencing the syllabus material identifying the balletic elements that are required for examinations and introducing them to athletes during a warm up and mirroring the structure of a ballet to class to assist with developing good body movements for their athletes. 

Please refer to videos for examples of feet, legs, arm positions, leaps, kicks and turn combinations to blend ballet into a baton twirling warm up.

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Feet positions
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